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Retractable assist handle for a vehicle

a technology for assisting handles and vehicles, applied in the direction of wing accessories, roofs, manufacturing tools, etc., to achieve the effect of enhancing the appearance of the interior of the vehicl

Inactive Publication Date: 2010-06-29
TOYOTA MOTOR CO LTD
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a retractable grip assist handle for vehicles that can be extended by passengers for balance or support and automatically returns when released. The handle can be pushed in multiple directions and is positioned to enhance the appearance of the vehicle interior. The technical effects of this invention include improved accessibility for passengers and aesthetically pleasing design."

Problems solved by technology

While these handles work well, they may be stationary, or may not be accessible to the user, or they may interfere with ingress to and egress from the vehicle.

Method used

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  • Retractable assist handle for a vehicle
  • Retractable assist handle for a vehicle
  • Retractable assist handle for a vehicle

Examples

Experimental program
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Embodiment Construction

[0016]Referring to FIGS. 1-5 a retractable grip assist handle assembly 12 for a vehicle 10 is illustrated. The grip assist handle assembly 12 is ergonomically positioned on the vehicle 10 for access by a passenger 14. The grip assist handle 12 provides the passenger 14 with support during ingress to or egress from the vehicle 10. The availability of a support assists in maintaining the balance of the passenger 14 during such movement. The grip assist handle assembly 12 is located within the vehicle structure 42 where it is readily accessible, such as on a pillar portion, or a seat portion, or a floor portion, or a trim portion or the like. It should be appreciated that the grip assist handle assembly 12 is supported within a cavity 38 formed in the vehicle 10, in a manner to be described.

[0017]The retractable grip assist handle assembly 12 includes a handle 16. In this example, the handle 16 has a ring shape, although other shapes are available. The choice of handle 16 shape may be ...

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PUM

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Abstract

A retractable grip assist handle assembly provides an extendable support for a passenger during ingress to or egress from the vehicle. The retractable grip assist handle assembly includes a handle, and a body portion having a first end connected to the handle and the handle and body portion are extendable relative to the vehicle. A mechanical energy storage device is connected between a second end of the body portion and the vehicle. The mechanical energy storage device provides a return force that returns the handle to a retracted position from an extended position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates generally to an assist handle for a vehicle, and more particularly to a retractable assist handle for a vehicle.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]A passenger of a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle, may need to hold onto a portion of the vehicle for support during ingress into the vehicle or egress from the vehicle. The need for support may occur under a variety of circumstances, such as due to the size of the passenger relative to the height of the vehicle from the ground, or the dexterity or physical ability of the passenger. To accommodate the various types of passengers, vehicles typically include strategically placed handles for the passenger to grip upon entering or leaving the vehicle. For example, a handle may be located on a pillar, or on a seat or another portion of the vehicle. While these handles work well, they may be stationary, or may not be accessible to the user, o...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Patents(United States)
IPC IPC(8): B60N3/02B60G99/00
CPCB60N3/023Y10T16/458Y10T16/473B60N2002/0256B60N2/0256
Inventor SAIONJI, KATSUHIRONAKANO, SAORIKOYAMA, MASAYANAKAMOTO, TOYOSHI
Owner TOYOTA MOTOR CO LTD
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